Michel Der Zakarian makes Maxime Dupé his Nantes number one | OneFootball

Michel Der Zakarian has confirmed Maxime Dupé is his first-choice goalkeeper at Nantes, with Alban Lafont back in training.

Two days before Saturday’s second pre-season friendly against Lorient in Vannes at 17:00, Der Zakarian spoke at the Jonelière training base. According to L'Équipe, Lafont rejoined the group on Wednesday after featuring at the World Cup for Côte d’Ivoire, who went out in the last 32.

The 27-year-old has been at Nantes since 2021 and spent last season on loan at Panathinaikos, where he played 37 matches in all competitions. The Greek club chose not to keep him, and he remains under contract at Nantes until 2027.

Der Zakarian made clear that Dupé, 33, signed this summer from Nice, is his number one. He said Lafont must work after returning quickly from the tournament, adding that for now the priority is Dupé rather than Lafont.

Asked about a possible exit for Lafont, the coach accepted it could happen, while noting that if he stays he will train with the squad and the club will then assess the situation. Lafont has made 198 appearances for Nantes in all competitions.

Source: L'Équipe